Acute

Causes

Meningococcemia is caused by bacteria called
Neisseria meningitidis
. The bacteria often live in a person's upper respiratory tract without causing signs of illness. They can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. For example, you may become infected if you are around someone with the condition and they sneeze or cough.

Family members and those closely exposed to someone with the condition are at increased risk. The infection occurs more often in winter and early spring.

Urine analysis

Treatment

Meningococcemia is a medical emergency. People with this infection are often admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, where they are closely monitored. They may be placed in respiratory isolation for the first 24 hours to help prevent the spread of the infection to others.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of meningococcemia. Call your provider if you have been around someone with the disease.

Prevention

Preventive antibiotics for family members and other close contacts are often recommended. Speak with your provider about this option.

A
vaccine
that covers some, but not all, strains of meningococcus is recommended for children age 11 or 12. A booster is given at age 16. Unvaccinated college students who live in dormitories should also consider receiving this vaccine. It should be given a few weeks before they first move into the dorm. Talk to your provider about this vaccine.

Vaccine

All content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC Meningococcal ACWY Vaccines - MenACWY and MPSV4 Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): www. cd...